'Skate like Elsa'

MIRAMAR BEACH — Sunday may have been sunny and 72 degrees, but inside the Baytowne on Ice skating rink, it was a winter wonderland.

For adults and kids alike, the Baytowne skating rink is a regular tradition once the ice is up in late October.

"This is the only place my kids can skate in the South," said Alan Parrish as his daughters laced up their skates. "They know how to skate because of this."

The family visits Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort annually, and ice skating is a main attraction during the winter season.

"It makes us feel like Christmas," Alan said.

Throughout the season, Baytowne Wharf employee Josh Jones said they'll see about 4,000 people come to the rink. The busiest hours are from 5-8 p.m. on weekends. And on New Year's Eve they're "slammed."

On Sunday afternoon there was a steady pace of kids and adults skating in circles. Sylvia Station of Panama City brought her son and his friends for his birthday party. She said she'll probably be back next weekend, too.

"We come every year," she said. "I grew up ice skating. My parents would take me in Germany when the water froze over. My mom loved ice skating."

The rink is also perfect for the inexperienced skaters with walkers available to help prevent slips. The first hour of certain days is also reserved for kids under 12 so they can practice with confidence.

Laurie and Anthony Junck of Pensacola took their five kids to the rink Sunday. Their youngest — 3-year-old twins Chloe and Phoebe — couldn't wait to get on the ice.

"They're obsessed with the movie 'Frozen,'" Laurie said with a laugh. "They said they can't wait to skate like Elsa. They were excited all morning to come here."